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Kung Fu Panda (2008)

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In the Valley of Peace, Po the Panda finds himself chosen as the Dragon Warrior despite the fact that he is obese and a complete novice at martial arts.

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(screenplay), (screenplay) | 2 more credits »
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881 ( 76)
Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 14 wins & 38 nominations. See more awards »

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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
...
Po (voice)
...
Shifu (voice)
...
Tigress (voice)
...
Tai Lung (voice)
...
Monkey (voice)
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Mantis (voice)
...
Viper (voice)
...
Crane (voice)
...
Oogway (voice)
...
Mr. Ping (voice)
...
Zeng (voice)
...
...
Gang Boss (voice)
...
KG Shaw (voice)
...
JR Shaw (voice)
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Storyline

It's the story about a lazy, irreverent slacker panda, named Po, who is the biggest fan of Kung Fu around...which doesn't exactly come in handy while working every day in his family's noodle shop. Unexpectedly chosen to fulfill an ancient prophecy, Po's dreams become reality when he joins the world of Kung Fu and studies alongside his idols, the legendary Furious Five -- Tigress, Crane, Mantis, Viper and Monkey -- under the leadership of their guru, Master Shifu. But before they know it, the vengeful and treacherous snow leopard Tai Lung is headed their way, and it's up to Po to defend everyone from the oncoming threat. Can he turn his dreams of becoming a Kung Fu master into reality? Po puts his heart - and his girth - into the task, and the unlikely hero ultimately finds that his greatest weaknesses turn out to be his greatest strengths. Written by Anthony Pereyra {hypersonic91@yahoo.com}

Plot Summary | Plot Synopsis

Taglines:

Experience the pandamonium in IMAX See more »


Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for sequences of martial arts action | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

 »
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Details

Country:

Language:

Release Date:

6 June 2008 (USA)  »

Also Known As:

Kung Fu Panda: The IMAX Experience  »

Filming Locations:

 »

Box Office

Budget:

$130,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

$60,239,130 (USA) (6 June 2008)

Gross:

$215,395,021 (USA) (3 October 2008)
 »

Company Credits

Show detailed on  »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

(IMAX version)| | |

Color:

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1
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Did You Know?

Trivia

As with most DreamWorks animated films, Hans Zimmer (collaborating with John Powell this time) scored Kung Fu Panda. He visited China to absorb the culture and get to know the China National Symphony Orchestra as part of his preparation. See more »

Goofs

Tai Lung, a snow leopard, is at times heard emitting a tiger-like roar - a sound snow leopards are unable to make due to their lack of a larynx. Since this is a fantasy where snow leopards and other animals talk, wear clothing, and have other anthropomorphic abilities, this is unremarkable. See more »

Quotes

[first lines]
Po: Legend tells of a legendary warrior whose kung fu skills were the stuff of legend.
See more »

Crazy Credits

During the closing credits, the "Kung Fu Fighting" song sung by Jack Black (Po the Panda) and CeeLo Green is playing. See more »


Soundtracks

Masterami Kung-Fu
Lyrics by Ilya Lagutenko
Performed by Ilya Lagutenko
[In Russian release, instead of "Kung Fu Fighting"]
See more »

Frequently Asked Questions

See more (Spoiler Alert!) »

User Reviews

 
Dreamworks hits a HOME RUN with this one!
8 June 2008 | by (Manila, Philippines) – See all my reviews

From the very beginning, Kung Fu Panda had me practically falling out of my seat --- laughing. It was the perfect blend of comedy, heart, and action, all necessary elements in a successful and great animation/CGI film, in the tradition of The Incredibles and (less action, but containing the heart and laughter) Ratatouille, Finding Nemo and Monsters, Inc.

I took my wife and nephew and niece to see it on a Friday night and they enjoyed it, too! We were totally laughing, smiling, and guffawing at Po, the main protagonist (voiced by Jack Black) and his misadventures at becoming a Kung Fu expert. This was certainly a flawed character, one that a lot of people can relate to because he dreams, he's funny, and he can laugh at himself. Also, the story was pretty clear and easy to follow because the storytelling was well crafted, and the animation was paired well with characters brought vividly to life by some of the most famous names in Hollywood.

Jack Black and Dustin Hoffman are downright excellent as the main characters, and Ian McShane as the bad dude gave it the right fearful presence. Other big name stars don't shine as much, but that's because their roles are rather limited in the film. But that's still okay because the animators should be given equal credit (if not more) for delivering the funny, action and heart elements of this movie in an effective, amazing and (I've got to use this) AWESOME manner. Visually, this movie is stunning (notice all those scenic shots of the Chinese mountains, bodies of water, and the bridge scene; not to mention the action animation version of "The Matrix" with slow-mo)... simply a delight to watch.

It's clear that Dreamworks has gotten back in the animation game with Kung Fu Panda, after slight ho-hums in Shrek 3 and Bee Movie (call me crazy, but I liked Over The Hedge more than those two). Hopefully, it should earn well over $500M worldwide because it is so good.

This movie rightfully belongs in the top animation movies of all time (okay, let's not include the classic fairy tales of old; let's begin with the 90's onwards), alongside my faves "The Incredibles" "Finding Nemo" and "Beauty & The Beast." Has the makings of being a classic.

My wife and I enjoyed it so much that we saw it again the night after. And maybe another time... haha!

Enjoy!


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